Tile roof batten with drainage and ventilation features

ABSTRACT

A tile roof batten system that offers complete channeling and draining of water from around the batten itself and provides additional ventilation passages to ensure complete drying of the roof surface is disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a roof batten used for installing roof tiles, particularly clay and concrete tiles. This roof batten provides a unique configuration that ensures any water seeping into the area between the roof tiles and roof decking can easily drain and the damp area will be ventilated to promote drying and prevent decay.

The tiles used on tile roofs are typically composed of either a clay or concrete material. Each of the material types is available in either of two shapes, flat tiles or barrel tiles sometimes referred to as mission tiles. Typical tile roof construction includes roof decking in the form of plywood or oriented strand board that is secured to the structural framework of an angled roof surface. The structural framework of the angled roof surface is in the form of rafters or trusses attached to the vertical walls of the house. The roof decking is covered in an overlayment of felt or tar paper, in overlapping layers, to aid in shedding water from the underlying roof decking. A system of battens, typically in horizontally arranged parallel rows with a six to eight inch spacing therebetween is secured to the roof decking by nailing or stapling.

The system of battens thus secured to the roof decking serves to maintain an air gap between the roof tiles and the roof decking structure. It is important that the battens allow any water that seeps under the roof tiles to drain down the slope of the roof and allow air to ventilate and dry the dampened areas. If water fails to drain, pools on the aforementioned overlayment and leaks into the underlying decking and roof structure, catastrophic failure of the roof can occur.

Prior battens have typically failed in two respects. First, they were made of wood that often became damp itself and deteriorated over time. Second, the battens often lacked any water drainage openings or channels to allow the water to flow down the sloping roof. The lack of drainage openings was dealt with to some degree by cutting channels in the underside of the wood battens. This still left the problem of water pooling against the flat batten surfaces adjacent the openings and causing water damage. There is thus a need for a roof batten that is constructed of a water and rot proof material, offers complete channeling and draining of water from around the batten itself and provides additional ventilation passages to ensure complete drying of the roof surface.

2. Description of Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 2,361,112 to J. B. Llewellyn shows a channel shaped roof support for tiles or slates.

A ridge row cap using a corrugated metal sheet that allows hot air in the attic to escape therefrom is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,236,160 to M. H. Meyer et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,147 to J. P. Mankowski shows another roof ridge ventilator using a pair of extruded metal extensions with a central hinge and laterally disposed holes.

A roof ridge ventilator is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,506 to J. J. Cashman with a plurality of laterally disposed slots.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,505 to J. Williamson et al. discloses an eave ventilator and a ridge ventilator.

A roof ridge ventilator that includes an elongated extruded plastic ridge cover and a pair of elongated extruded plastic vents is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,278 to E. A. Roberts.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,555 to G. Ferguson et al. shows a double batted roof structure for use with cement tiles.

A roof batten using a corrugated plastic material between a pair of generally planar plies is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,193 B1 to R. J. Morris.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,796 B1 to G. M. Goettl et al. shows a batten element having a generally inverted vee cross section with laterally extending flanges is disclosed.

A roof batten that uses a pair of spaced self-supporting sheets of plastic with a series of uniformly spaced struts disposed therebetween is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0172606 A1 to T. F. Anderson.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a roof batten system including a roof batten that provides superior draining and ventilation of the area between the roof tiles and the roof decking. The tile roof batten system comprises a decking material secured to a structural framework of an angled roof. An overlayment such as tar paper is fastened to the decking material to aid in shedding water from the decking material. A plurality of battens are disposed in parallel rows on the overlayment and attached to the decking material. A plurality of roofing tiles arranged in overlapping courses are fastened on top of the rows of battens. Each of the battens is formed of molded plastic in a rectangular parallelepiped configuration that is open on one side with the sides of said batten parallel to the longitudinal axis of the batten including openings connecting to the open side to allow water drainage therethrough. The battens having an uphill side and a downhill side with respect to installation of the sloping roof. The uphill side of the battens have water deflection surfaces formed thereon in a semi-pyramidal shape between the water drainage openings to direct water through the water drainage openings. The downhill side of the battens also have water deflection surfaces formed in a substantially vee shape on the interior surface between the water drainage openings to direct water through the water drainage openings.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a tile roof batten system that offers complete channeling and draining of water from around the batten itself.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a roof batten that provides additional ventilation passages to ensure complete drying of the roof surface.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a roof batten that is constructed of a water and rot proof material.

These with other objects and advantages of the present invention are pointed out with specificness in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this disclosure. A full and complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings and description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth below and further made clear by reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 comprises a perspective view of the roof batten of the present invention

FIG. 2 comprises a perspective view of the roof batten in an inverted position showing the details of its interior construction.

FIG. 3 comprises a perspective view of the roof batten system with a flat tile.

FIG. 4 comprises a perspective view of the roof batten system with a barrel tile.

FIG. 5 comprises a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the roof batten that provides additional ventilation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view of tile roof support or batten 10 in a rectangular parallelepiped configuration with longitudinal axis 12 is shown with lower side 14 being open as best seen in FIG. 2. Lateral sides 16 and 18 are parallel to longitudinal axis 12 and include openings 20 formed therein to allow water drainage through batten 10 in a manner to be explained hereinafter. Although openings 20 are shown having a rectangular configuration, other configurations would work equally well in allowing water drainage. Such equivalent shapes are considered within the scope of the claimed invention. Ends 22 and top side 24 complete the rectangular parallelepiped configuration of batten 10.

As seen on top side 24 in FIG. 1, batten 10 has indicia 26 in the form of the word “UP” and arrows 28. Indicia 26 is placed on top side 24 to ensure batten 10 is installed properly with respect to installation on a sloped roof. Proper installation of batten 10 requires arrows 28 to be pointing uphill. In this orientation, batten 10 has uphill side, or lateral side 18, and downhill side, or lateral side 18. Referring to FIG. 1, uphill side or lateral side 18 has water deflection surfaces 30 in a semi-pyramidal shape formed in the spaces between openings 20. The tapered semi-pyramidal shape of water deflection surfaces 30 allows water impinging thereon to flow to either side into adjacent openings 20. Although water deflection surface 30 is shown with a semi-pyramidal shape, other functionally equivalent shapes will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art and are considered within the scope of the claimed invention. Holes 32 are formed in top side 24 of batten 10 to aside installers in proper placement of nails or other suitable securing means.

Referring to FIG. 2, in a similar manner, downhill side or lateral side 16 has water deflection surfaces 34 in a substantially vee shape formed in the spaces between openings 20. Vee shaped water deflection surfaces 34 extend the full height of side 16 to the interior of top side 24 to ensure no water can be trapped therein. The vee shape of water deflection surfaces 34 allows water impinging thereon to flow to either side into adjacent openings 20. Although water deflection surface 34 is shown with a vee shape, other functionally equivalent shapes will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art and are considered within the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 36 are formed on the interior of batten and extend between lateral sides 16 and 18 and top side 24. Reinforcing ribs 36 are typically placed adjacent holes 32 to ensure batten 10 is not deformed while being nailed in position.

Batten 10 in its preferred embodiment is formed of injection molded plastic although any water or rot resistant material would be suitable. Battens 10 are intended to replace the typical wooden batten currently in use which is a nominal 1″×2″ wood strip having an actual ½″×1½″ dimension. Battens 10 typically will be molded in 48″ lengths to allow alignment with standard rafter spacing.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a tile roof batten system 38 utilizing battens 10 is shown in a flat tile installation. Structural framework or rafters 40 provides the needed structural support for tile roof batten system 38. Decking material 42 in the form of sheets of plywood or oriented strand board are secured to rafters 40 by suitable means as nailing. Overlayment or tar paper 44 is attached to decking material 42 to aid is shedding water from decking material 42. Courses of battens 10 are laid out as shown in parallel rows and secured to decking material 42 by nailing or stapling. Flat tiles 46 are placed on battens 10 in overlapping courses and secured to decking material 42 by nailing in a manner well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Battens 10 are arranged with uphill or lateral side 18 and downhill or lateral side 16 oriented as shown to allow water to drain along the slope of the roof through water drainage openings 20. It should be noted that openings 20 allow water to drain across overlayment 44 without any edges or ribs of batten 10 interfering with such flow.

A perspective view of a tile roof batten system 38 utilizing battens 10 with a curved or mission tile installation is shown in FIG. 4. As in the flat tile configuration, decking material 42 in the form of sheets of plywood or oriented strand board are secured to rafters 40 by suitable means as nailing. Overlayment or tar paper 44 is attached to decking material 42 and courses of battens 10 are laid out as shown in parallel rows and secured to decking material 42. Curved tiles 48 are placed on battens 10 in overlapping courses and secured to decking material 42 by nailing. As in the flat tile roof, battens 10 are arranged with uphill side 18 and downhill side 16 oriented to ensure water drains along the slope of the roof through water drainage openings 20.

An alternate embodiment of a roof batten that allows additional ventilation features in shown in FIG. 5. Those features of batten 110 that are the same as batten 10 retain the same numeral designation. Batten 110 has a rectangular parallelepiped configuration with longitudinal axis 12 as shown with lower side 14 being open as in batten 10. Lateral sides 16 and 18 include water deflection surfaces 30 and 34 on their respective uphill and downhill sides between openings 20. Ends 22 and top side 112 complete the rectangular parallelepiped configuration of batten 110. Top side 112 includes indicia 26 in the form of the word “UP” and arrows 28 for the purposes previously explained. Holes 32 are formed in top side 112 and reinforcing ribs 36 are formed on the interior of batten 110. A plurality of ventilation openings 114 are formed in top side 112 adjacent openings 20 to allow additional ventilation. This additional ventilation occurs by the flow of air flowing along the slope of the roof through openings 20 and upwardly through ventilation openings 114. This additional ventilation is especially helpful in damp climates to ensure thorough drying of overlayment 44 and decking 42 to prevent water damage or wood rot.

The construction of my tile roof batten with drainage and ventilation features will be readily understood from the foregoing description and it will be seen that I have provided a tile roof batten that provides complete channeling and draining of water from around the batten itself and provides additional ventilation passages to ensure complete drying of the roof surface. Furthermore, while the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, comprising: a decking material secured to a structural framework of an angled roof; an overlayment fastened to said decking material to aid in shedding water from said decking material; a plurality of battens disposed on said overlayment and secured to said decking material; a plurality of roofing tiles arranged in overlapping courses on said plurality of battens; and, each of said battens formed in a rectangular parallelepiped configuration that is open on one side, the sides of said batten parallel to the longitudinal axis of said batten including openings connecting to said open side to allow water drainage therethrough.
 2. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 1, wherein: said battens having an uphill side and a downhill side with respect to installation on said angled roof, said uphill side and said downhill side corresponding to said sides of said batten parallel to the longitudinal axis of said batten.
 3. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 2, wherein: said uphill side of said battens having water deflection surfaces formed thereon between said water drainage openings to direct water through said water drainage openings.
 4. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 3, wherein: said downhill side of said battens having water deflection surfaces formed on the interior surface of said downhill side between said water drainage openings to direct water through said water drainage openings.
 5. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 4, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said uphill side of said battens having a semi-pyramidal shape.
 6. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 5, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said interior of said downhill side of said battens having a substantially V shape.
 7. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 6, wherein: said battens including a plurality of preformed holes formed in said side opposite said open side for receiving securing means to secure said batten to said decking.
 8. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 7, wherein: said battens include a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending between said uphill and said downhill sides of said batten on the interior thereof.
 9. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 4, wherein: said battens including a plurality of ventilation openings formed in said side opposite said open side to aid in ventilating the space between the roof tiles and the overlayment.
 10. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 9, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said uphill side of said battens having a semi-pyramidal shape.
 11. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 10, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said interior of said downhill side of said battens having a substantially V shape.
 12. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 11, wherein: said battens including a plurality of preformed holes formed in said side opposite said open side for receiving securing means to secure said batten to said decking.
 13. A tile roof batten system to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 12, wherein: said battens include a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending between said uphill and said downhill sides of said batten on the interior thereof.
 14. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, comprising: a batten formed in a rectangular parallelepiped configuration that is open on one side, the sides of said batten parallel to the longitudinal axis of said batten including openings connecting to said open side to allow water drainage therethrough.
 15. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 14, wherein: said batten has an uphill side and a downhill side with respect to installation on an angled roof, said uphill side and said downhill side corresponding to said sides of said batten parallel to the longitudinal axis of said batten.
 16. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 15, wherein: said uphill side of said batten has water deflection surfaces formed thereon between said water drainage openings to direct water through said water drainage openings.
 17. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 16, wherein: said downhill side of said batten has water deflection surfaces formed on the interior surface of said downhill side between said water drainage openings to direct water through said water drainage openings.
 18. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 17, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said uphill side of said batten having a semi-pyramidal shape.
 19. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 18, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said interior of said downhill side of said batten having a substantially V shape.
 20. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 19, wherein: said batten includes a plurality of preformed holes formed in said side opposite said open side for receiving securing means to secure said batten to a roof decking.
 21. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 20, wherein: said batten includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending between said uphill and said downhill sides of said batten on the interior thereof.
 22. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 17, wherein: said batten includes a plurality of ventilation openings formed in said side opposite said open side to aid in ventilating the space between the roof tiles and the overlayment.
 23. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 22, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said uphill side of said batten has a semi-pyramidal shape.
 24. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 23, wherein: said water deflection surfaces on said interior of said downhill side of said batten having a substantially V shape.
 25. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 24, wherein: said batten includes a plurality of preformed holes formed in said side opposite said open side for receiving securing means to secure said batten to said decking.
 26. A tile roof support to drain and ventilate the space under the roof tiles, according to claim 25, wherein: said batten includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending between said uphill and said downhill sides of said batten on the interior thereof. 